Phthalates Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Why Diabetes Risk Is Higher for Older White Women

The AHA! Team — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 08:13:53 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Phthalates – the toxic chemical cocktail manufacturers use to make plastic products more durable and personal products smell better – can increase your risk of developing diabetes by up to 63%… That’s the terrifying conclusion of a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.1 And according to the researchers, the damaging effects extend beyond diabetes in these women. Phthalate exposure also contributed to a higher incidence of obesity, infertility, and other endocrine disorders over a six-year period. For reasons not yet understood by the scientists, this damaging association was not seen in middle-aged Black or Asian women—the team plan to investigate these “apparent racial and ethnic differences” in future studies. In a recent letter I wrote you, I warned of how these estrogen-mimickers are affecting men and boys… I’ve been sounding the alarm and warning my patients about the dangers of phthalates for more than 20 years. Sadly, in all that time, the problem has gotten much worse. And the number of products polluted with these alien estrogens has increased. Worldwide, 12 BILLION pounds of phthalates are produced each year. They can be found in thousands of everyday items we bring into our homes on a regular basis. They’re present in medical devices, prescription drugs, cleaning products, personal care products, Phthalates are even in the air you breathe and the foods you eat. In one study, more than 80% of food samples were found to contain a phthalate known as DnBP, while 86% contained a plasticizer known as DEHT.2 Not surprisingly, fast foods, processed foods, baked goods, and other packaged items contain the most phthalates. There are steps you can take to minimize your exposure. Here’s what I tell my patients: Take these simple steps to protect your home and family. Stop storing food in plastic containers and never use them to heat foods. Dust often to remove phthalates from your home. Don’t use products with artificial fragrances. Buy produce that isn’t packaged… even better is buying fresh food from a farmer’s market. And look for personal care products that are labeled phthalate-free. Choose pasture-raised animal protein. I’ve shared the benefits of eating only grass-fed and pastured protein for as long as I’ve been writing to you. Here’s one more… Conventional meat is commonly fed grain-based pellets that come from recycled food waste. Big Food manufacturers send leftover processed foods to industrial grinders, where they’re turned into animal feed (and pet food). Because it’s too expensive, these foods aren’t removed from their packaging, and everything – including plastic, cardboard, and adhesives – gets ground down into animal feed. Replace bottled water with filtered tap water. This simple step reduces your exposure 22-fold.3 The best filter to use is a reverse osmosis filter that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that captures phthalates and other contaminants. Not just any reverse osmosis system will do, however. The system needs to be NSF/ANSI 58 certified. This certification indicates that the RO system has gone through rigorous tests to ensure it will give you the results you’re looking for. I’ve had these filters installed at my clinic, my offices, and my own home. Supplement to flush phthalates away Sadly, it’s impossible to avoid phthalates in today’s world. Unless you live in a bubble, it’s impossible to avoid them. But there are supplements that can help flush these chemicals from your body. Here are three I recommend to all my patients: Supplement with “crucifers in a capsule.” Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage contain a compound called diindolylmethane (DIM). This helps your body break down and clear away estrogen mimickers. But it’s hard to get enough DIM from food. You’d have to eat two pounds or more of broccoli every day to get the amount you need. I recommend 100 mg daily. Add this DIM precursor. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) helps prevent fake estrogens from attaching to your cell’s receptors. It also helps to metabolize estrogen into harmless compounds that are flushed away. Take 100 mg of Indole-3-carbinol per day. Use milk thistle (Silybum marianum). This is one of the best herbs for clearing toxins from your blood. It helps detoxify the liver and restore healthy liver function. Look for dried milk thistle extract. But make sure it has at least 80% silymarin, the active ingredient for liver cleansing. I recommend taking one 200 mg capsule twice daily. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Peng M, et al. “Phthalates and incident diabetes in midlife women: the study of women’s health across the nation (SWAN).” J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Feb 8;dgad033. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad033. Online ahead of print. 2. Edwards L, et al. “Phthalate and novel plasticizer concentrations in food items from US fast food chains.” J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2022 May;32(3):366-373. 3. Cox K, et al. “Human consumption of microplastics.” Environ Sci Technol. 2019;53(12):7068-7074. To read the original article click here.

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Preterm Birth Is More Likely with Exposure to Phthalates

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 07:00:52 +0000

Rutgers University-New Brunswick via Newswise – A Rutgers researcher was part of a National Institutes of Health study that found pregnant women who were exposed to chemical compounds known as phthalates during pregnancy had an increased risk of preterm birth. Phthalates are industrial chemicals used in personal-care products, such as cosmetics, as well as solvents, detergents and in food packaging. After examining data from 6,045 pregnant women in the U.S., researchers found that women with higher concentrations of several phthalate metabolites in their urine were more likely to deliver their babies preterm—or delivering three or more weeks before a mother’s due date. The study was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. “Preterm birth is one of the most poorly understood, intractable challenges in maternal-child health,” said author Emily Barrett, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health and a member of the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute. “This study provides compelling evidence that everyday chemicals in our environment are part of the problem,” Barrett said. Conducting the largest study in the United States to date on this topic, researchers pooled data from 16 studies conducted throughout the U.S. that had individual participant data on prenatal urinary phthalate metabolites (which represent exposure to phthalates) as well as the timing of delivery of the study participants. Pregnant women participating in in the study delivered babies between 1983 and 2018. Nine percent, or 539, of the women delivered preterm births. Phthalate metabolites were detected in more than 96 percent of urine samples. The researchers developed statistical models to examine whether exposure to phthalates were associated with preterm birth. Higher concentrations of most phthalate metabolites examined were associated with slightly higher odds of preterm birth. Exposure to four of the 11 phthalates in pregnancy was associated with a significantly greater probability of having a preterm birth. The most consistent findings were for exposure to a phthalate that is used commonly in personal-care products such as nail polish and cosmetics. The researchers also used computational models to simulate hypothetical interventions that could reduce phthalate exposure. They estimated that reducing the phthalate exposure by even 50 percent could reduce preterm birth by 1.1 percent. The potential interventions could be behavioral, such as selecting personal-care products that don’t contain phthalates (if listed on label); voluntary actions from companies to eliminate phthalates from their products; or regulatory in nature. “Our data demonstrate that if we could reduce our exposures to phthalates, we could make considerable progress towards reducing our unacceptably high rates of preterm birth,” said Barrett. Eating fresh, home-cooked food as often as possible, avoiding processed food that comes in plastic and selecting fragrance-free products or those labeled as “phthalate free,” are some examples of ways pregnant people can reduce their exposure to the chemicals. The researchers are conducting additional studies to better understand the mechanisms by which exposure to phthalates can impact pregnancy and determine if there are effective ways for mothers to reduce their exposure. To read the original article click here.

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Chemicals in Plastic May Contribute to Weight Gain

AHA Publisher — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:00:07 +0000

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) via Newswise – It may sound strange, but chemicals in plastic may make the bathroom scale a less pleasant place to visit. Every day, we come into contact with plastic products. A lot of plastic is found in food packaging. Plastic packaging is common for practical reasons, because it is cheap and because it can increase a food’s shelf life. But plastic contains thousands of different chemicals. Some of these can affect your metabolism, and thus perhaps also your weight. Found 55 000 Different Chemicals “Our experiments show that ordinary plastic products contain a mix of substances that can be a relevant and underestimated factor behind overweight and obesity,” says Martin Wagner, an associate professor at NTNU’s Department of Biology. A research group looked at 34 different plastic products in the laboratory to see which chemicals they contained. These were everyday products that many people use, like yoghurt containers, drink bottles and kitchen sponges. The researchers found over 55 000 different chemical components in these products and identified 629 of the substances. Eleven of them are known to interfere with our metabolism, called metabolism-disrupting chemicals. For a long time, experts believed that most plastic chemicals would stay in the material. However, Wagner’s team has recently shown that plastic products leach a large number of chemicals under real world conditions, thus enabling them to enter the body. Previous research also suggests that some plastics contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals that may affect our development and fertility. Now it appears that they may contribute to weight gain as well. Contribute to Fat Cell Development Chemicals from one third of the plastic products investigated in the new study were found to contribute to fat cell development in laboratory experiments. The substances in these products reprogramed precursor cells to become fat cells that proliferated more and accumulated more fat. While some plastic products contained known metabolism-disrupting substances, others did not but nevertheless induced the development of fat cells. This means that plastics contain currently unidentified chemicals that interfere with how our body stores fat. “It’s very likely that it is not the usual suspects, such as Bisphenol A, causing these metabolic disturbances. This means that other plastic chemicals than the ones we already know could be contributing to overweight and obesity,” says Johannes Völker, the first author of the study who is affiliated with NTNU’s Department of Biology. Major Societal Problem Overweight and obesity contribute to some of the most common causes of death in the world, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. They can also increase our susceptibility to various infections, such as the effects of COVID-19. Around two billion people in the world are overweight, and the problem is growing. Approximately 650 million of these fall into the obese category. The reasons for this are of course complex, but plastic chemicals may well be a factor that we have not previously considered. These chemicals include phthalates and bisphenols, but the new study shows that there are many more substances that trigger these problematic effects. The results of the latest study have been published in Environmental Science & Technology. The researchers came mainly from NTNU, with contributing partners from Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. To read the original article click here.

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Chemical Commonly Found in Consumer Products May Disrupt a Hormone Needed for Healthy Pregnancy

AHA Publisher — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 08:00:55 +0000

Rutgers University-New Brunswick via Newswise – Exposure to phthalates—a group of chemicals found in everything from plastics to personal care products to electronics—may disrupt an important hormone needed to sustain a healthy pregnancy, according to a Rutgers study. The study, which appears in Environment International, was among the first to examine the impact that phthalates, added to plastics to increase flexibility, have on the placental corticotropin releasing hormone (pCRH) that is produced by the placenta and increases throughout the course of pregnancy. The hormone plays an important role in promoting the onset of labor, but when levels are high or rise rapidly earlier in pregnancy, it may contribute to preterm birth and fetal growth problems as well as high blood pressure, diabetes, and postpartum depression. “We are all exposed to phthalates in our environment through the products we use and the foods we eat,” says Emily S. Barrett, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health and member of the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute. “Our findings show that these chemicals may alter the production of essential placental hormones, which has important implications for the course of pregnancy as well as subsequent child health and development.” The researchers analyzed data from 1,018 low-risk pregnant women carrying single fetuses at two time points, mid- and late pregnancy. They found that the presence of various phthalates was associated with higher pCRH hormone levels in mid-pregnancy, but lower pCRH later in pregnancy. These levels were strongest in women who developed pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, suggesting that women who develop complications may be particularly vulnerable to this hormonal disruption. This is among the first and largest study so far to examine how these chemicals and the connection with pCRH disrupt the function of the endocrine system, which is especially delicate during pregnancy. “Associations between phthalates and pCRH among women with pregnancy complications grew stronger across the course of pregnancy. We know very little about how women with pregnancy complications are affected by environmental exposures. This study sets the stage for future research in that area,” Barrett said. pCRH produced by the placenta is identical in structure to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) produced by the brain when responding to stress. While this study did not find that women who had experienced childhood traumas were any more vulnerable to the hormone-disrupting effects of phthalates, earlier research found that pCRH levels were higher in women who have experienced childhood trauma suggesting that traumatic events may impact pregnancy decades later. To read the original article click here.

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Fast Food DISASTER: Industrial Chemicals Found Inside Many Samples, NEW Study

AHA Publisher — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:00:54 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – If you love fast food like nearly 37% of the United States population who eat it a day, you may be consuming industrial chemicals. That is exactly what a study published by George Washington University recently found. The study examined the top fast food chains in the country by purchasing 64 fast food items from establishments in the San Antonio, Texas area, including Chipotle, McDonald’s, Domino’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. Upon testing their samples, the researchers found small amounts of harmful chemicals called phthalates in most food samples. Phthalates, Anyone? Toxic Plasticizer Is Found in a Host of Products, Even in Your Fast Food Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are commonly referred to as plasticizers. They are commonly used to make plastics soft or more durable. Some are used to dissolve certain materials. These chemicals can be found in all sorts of products, including: Lubricating oil Plastic packaging Hair spray Vinyl flooring Medical tubing Shampoo Garden hoses Soap It is not uncommon for humans to come in contact with phthalates by touching products that contain the chemicals or by eating or drinking foods that have been in contact with other products, such as packaging, which contains phthalates. Particles of the chemicals can also be breathed into the body. Sadly, in fast foods, they are being consumed by millions of people – every day. How do Phthalates Affect Human Health? There are some concerning health issues that are linked to phthalates in humans. Some types have caused problems with the reproductive system in humans and animals. There is not enough research to determine how low levels of phthalate exposure affect humans, but some conditions are believed to be linked to it. These chemicals have also been linked to learning disorders and behavioral and attention disorders during childhood. They have also been found to disrupt the endocrine system and are linked to other health problems, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. Shocking Findings Indicate Industrial Chemicals in Over 80 Percent of Food Samples Some of the foods contained higher levels than others, and certain chemicals were more prevalent than others. But, overall, the breakdown was eye-opening: DnBP (DI-n-Butyl Phthalate) was found in 81% of the samples, and DEHP Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was found in 70% of the samples. These are linked to reproductive and fertility problems in humans and an increased risk of behavioral, attention, and learning disorders during childhood. DEHT (Di-2-ethylhexyl-terephtalate) was found in 86% of the samples. There is no solid research yet to determine just how it affects human health. Fast food meats like chicken burritos and cheeseburgers had the highest levels of phthalates and the highest DEHT levels. In addition, the gloves that were used for food handling at the restaurants also contained DEHT. Of all the foods tested, cheese pizza had the lowest levels of the majority of the chemicals. Reality Check: Government Agencies Fail to Protect the Public from Dangerous Chemicals in the Food Supply At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have any legal thresholds that limit how much phthalates can be in our food. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does have certain guidelines in place regarding thresholds for phthalate levels but what was found in the samples fell below that mark. The FDA has agreed to review the study and consider it a portion of the body of scientific evidence. The chemicalshave been banned from certain products, including toys, but are still used to make industrial tubing, rubber gloves, and conveyor belts – all used in factories that produce or process foods for fast food companies. They are also found in the packaging of those products and the foods. So What Can You Do to Protect Your Family Against These Harmful Chemicals? The best thing you can do is eat as fresh (and organic) as possible. This would include buying local when possible and preparing your food at home. Never underestimate the value of shopping at your local farmers market and eating unprocessed, locally-grown (organic) food. It’s the best! If you’re looking to “indulge” a bit: you can prepare your own ‘fast foods’ like pizza (made from glyphosate-free flour and organic ingredients) or 100% grass fed beef burgers ahead of time, freeze them, and cook them whenever you’re ready. This would be one way to accomplish the time-saving convenience of fast food without the dangers associated with conventional fast food meals. After all, who really wants industrial chemicals with every meal? Sources for this article include: News.Yahoo.com MediaRelations.GWU.edu PublicHealth.GWU.edu CDC.gov To read the original article click here.

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Chemicals Found in Everyday Products Found to Be Harmful to Fertility

AHA Publisher — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 07:00:37 +0000

University at Albany, State University of New York via Newswise – ALBANY, N.Y. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Three studies led by a University at Albany PhD student found that a group of chemicals found in many plastic products are harmful to women who are pregnant and to couples planning a pregnancy – yet the products are often not on the list of things to be avoided. Phthalates — a group of chemicals used to make plastic more flexible, found in items ranging from toys to personal care items and flooring — have long been thought to be associated with infertility but the results have been inconsistent, explained Thoin F. Begum, an environmental health sciences PhD student who led the recent studies. “Phthalates are known to be disruptors to the endocrine system, but the extent and exact outcomes of the exposure is still relatively unknown,” Begum said. “Animal studies have shown that phthalates are reproductive toxicants, so we wanted to determine if phthalates are linked to any reproductive outcomes in humans.” In three separate studies, published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, Reproductive Toxicology and Reviews on Environmental Health, Thoin and colleagues found that several of the environmental chemicals are indeed harmful to the reproductive process and can have harmful effects on the fetus. In one of the studies, the team enrolled over 30 couples visiting a fertility clinic in San Francisco to examine their lifestyle and behavioral patterns, and collected urine samples to determine how much and what types of environmental chemicals they were exposed to. The analysis showed that women who applied several lotions, moisturizers and other personal care products had more exposure to lower molecular weight phthalates, while women who applied nail polish and perfume had more high molecular weight phthalates in their bodies. The male partners of the women who used of lotions and moisturizers also were associated with high molecular weight phthalates, indicating that both women and men face exposure to phthalates through the use of personal care products. When they looked at both partners’ phthalate exposure, the researchers found that greater exposure to the phthalates specific to personal care products (MBP, MHxP and MEHP) were associated with lower likelihoods of a successful pregnancy and live birth. Additionally, the male partner’s exposure to phthalates also mattered when considering the likelihood of conception and having a live baby — suggesting that when thinking about becoming pregnant, both partners should be aware that using personal care products may lead to unwanted exposure to phthalates. “Pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy, including the woman’s partner, should limit their exposure to these chemicals by not using products such as nail polish and perfume, cologne, hair dyes and a slew of other personal care products,” Begum said. “Interestingly enough, and of concern, these things are often not on the list provided by doctors of things couples should avoid during a pregnancy or while planning one.” Begum worked with associate professors Beth Feingold and Xiaobo Romeiko, professor David Carpenter, as well as fellow student Celeste Butts and Michael Bloom, Begum’s MS advisor who is currently at George Mason University. Colleagues at University of California at San Francisco also participated in the research. Though the three peer-reviewed studies indicated that phthalates are a reproductive toxicant, Begum noted that more research on phthalates overall is needed. “While it is quite clear that phthalates are reproductive toxicants, the other effects are a bit unclear,” she noted. “Phthalates appear to be thyroid antagonists in that they reduce thyroid hormone levels with multigenerational and persistent effects. In our review, we found that exposure to phthalates may be associated with a wide range of other health outcomes aside from reproductive outcomes and this requires further research.” To read the original article click here.

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‘Everyday’ Chemical Linked to Early Death, Costs U.S. Billions

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 07:00:11 +0000

Leah Zerbe, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES via Dr. Axe – Scientists have identified a common chemical linked to early death, and the downside is that (at least in America) it’s still legally found in thousands of products — some of which may be right under your feet. Researchers from NYU Langone investigated phthalates, plasticizing chemicals used in everything from vinyl flooring, siding and shower curtains to food wraps, food packaging and cosmetics. The findings suggest a huge toll on not only human health and survival, but the economy, as well. Phthalates may cause up to 100,000 premature deaths a year in older American adults, along with $40 to $47 billion in lost productivity. As the study lays out, previous research already linked exposure to phthalates to all sorts of health problems, including: Breast and thyroid cancers Premature birth Gestational diabetes Childhood and adult obesity Adult diabetes Endometriosis Infertility One prominent discovery in the most recent research involves the connection between high phthalate levels in urine and higher risk of death due to cardiovascular disease. (The link was even more pronounced in men.) “Our findings reveal that increased phthalate exposure is linked to early death, particularly due to heart disease,” says study lead author Leonardo Trasande, MD. “Until now, we have understood that the chemicals connect to heart disease, and heart disease in turn is a leading cause of death, but we had not yet tied the chemicals themselves to death.” And although this type of study doesn’t provide direct “cause-and-effect” evidence, the team says it plans on further studying the specific biological mechanism that could underline phthalates’ contribution to shortening lives. In particular, researchers will look at the role phthalates may play in hormone regulation and inflammation. Chemical Linked to Early Death Phthalates are known as one of the “Dirty Dozen” endocrine disruptors, and are also categorized as obesogens for their obesity-promoting characteristics. In this most recent study, “high-molecular weight” phthalates, like di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) were most closely linked to premature death among 55 to 64 year olds. DEHP is found in medical equipment like IVs and ventilators, but it’s also used in some plastic food packaging and in vinyl products, including flooring and siding. DEHP is often used in tubing for dairy and many other food processing applications. Because of its broad use, breakdown metabolites are found in most Americans. The main route of exposure is likely ingestion through food contact, and as consumer products break down. Low-income communities, and/or communities with high populations of black and brown residents, are particularly at risk. Not only do they face exposure through food and products, but the actual PVC plants manufacturing vinyl are often located in these neighborhoods. Landfills are another hotspot for DEHP contamination. DEHP has even been detected in tomatoes grown with biosolids, the “sewage sludge” left over in wastewater treatment plants that non-organic farmers are allowed to use to grow our food. Phthalates are even detected at levels 200+ times above the legal limit in dollar store toys. “Our research suggests that the toll of this chemical on society is much greater than we first thought,” says Dr. Trasande, who also serves as director of NYU Langone’s Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. “The evidence is undeniably clear that limiting exposure to toxic phthalates can help safeguard Americans’ physical and financial wellbeing.” How to Protect Yourself It is virtually impossible to completely protect yourself from phthalates because they are so widespread. In fact, authors of this study say: “Regulatory action is urgently needed to reduce these preventable exposures.” Other things you can do: Avoid vinyl/PVC products as much as possible. Avoid synthetically scented personal care products, candles and air fresheners that contain other types of phthalates connected to health problems. Opt for unscented laundry detergent, cleaning products and personal care products. Nix perfume and cologne. Call your federal representatives and senators and tell them to support meaningful chemical regulation laws. Stand up in solidarity for communities and help them reject PVC plants, landfills and other toxic industrial invasions that threaten the health of our most vulnerable. Avoid eating take-out and at restaurants as much as possible. On average, people who are eating food prepared outside of the home have nearly 35 percent higher levels of phthalates circulating in their bodies compared to people who eat food prepared at home. Avoid store food in and eating from plastics, particularly plastics No. 3, 6 and 7. Avoid washing plastics in dishwashers and heating food in plastics in the microwave. Opt for fresh or frozen foods as much as possible, and shy away from overpackaged, over processed foods. Final Thoughts A first-of-its-kind study links certain phthalates to 100,000 premature deaths in America a year. Phthalates are chemicals that make plastics soft and flexible. The type of phthalate linked to early deaths and heart disease in this study is known as DEHP, and it’s used in vinyl/PVC production. DEHP is commonly used in medical equipment like IVs. It’s also used in food processing tubing and other equipment, along with food packaging materials. This new study estimates that phthalates could be linked to up to $47 billion in lost wages in the U.S. annually, due to premature deaths. All-cause mortality was linked to phthalates, but the link was especially strong for heart disease-related deaths. Phthalates are widespread and detected in most Americans. Researchers and consumer safety groups suggest the only way to truly protect citizens is for strong regulatory action. To read the original article click here.

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Phthalates and Other Plasticizers Found in US Fast Foods

AHA Publisher — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 07:00:34 +0000

George Washington University via News-Medical – Chicken nuggets, burritos and other popular items consumers buy from fast food outlets in the United States contain chemicals that are linked to a long list of serious health problems, according to a first-of-its-kind study published today. Researchers at the George Washington University and their colleagues bought fast foods from popular outlets and found 10 of 11 potentially harmful chemicals in the samples, including phthalates, a group of chemicals that are used to make plastics soft and are known to disrupt the endocrine system. The research team also found other plasticizers, chemicals that are emerging as replacements to phthalates. “We found phthalates and other plasticizers are widespread in prepared foods available at U.S. fast food chains, a finding that means many consumers are getting a side of potentially unhealthy chemicals along with their meal. Stronger regulations are needed to help keep these harmful chemicals out of the food supply.” Lariah Edwards, lead author of the study and postdoctoral scientist at GW Previously, a GW research team led by Ami Zota, a professor of environmental and occupational health, looked at fast food consumption in a national survey and found people who reported eating more fast foods had higher levels of phthalates. No one has looked at the link between fast food and non-phthalate plasticizers, which are used in place of banned or restricted phthalates in food packaging and processing equipment. In this study, Edwards, Zota and their colleagues purchased 64 fast food items from different restaurants and asked for three pairs of unused food handling gloves. The team tested food items and the gloves for 11 kinds of phthalates and plasticizers, finding that: 81% of the food samples studied contained a phthalate called DnBP and 70% contained DEHP. Both these chemicals have been linked in numerous studies to fertility and reproductive problems in humans. These phthalates can also increase risk for learning, attention, and behavioral disorders in childhood. 86% of the foods contained the replacement plasticizer known as DEHT, a chemical that needs further study to determine its impact on human health. Foods containing meats, such as cheeseburgers and chicken burritos, had higher levels of the chemicals studied. Chicken burritos and cheeseburgers had the highest levels of DEHT. The researchers noted that food handling gloves collected from the same restaurants also contained this chemical. Cheese pizzas had the lowest levels of most chemicals tested. Phthalates and replacement plasticizers are chemicals used to make plastics soft and can migrate out of plastics into the food, which is ingested. Some sources of plastics include food handling gloves, industrial tubing, food conveyor belts and the outer packaging used to wrap fast food meals available in restaurants. Previous research by Zota’s team suggests that people who eat food cooked at home have lower levels of these chemicals in their bodies, probably because home cooks do not use food handling gloves or plastic packaging. To avoid these industrial chemicals, consumers can switch to mostly home cooked meals, which are often healthier than fast food, Edwards said. Both Edwards and Zota say their study suggests the need for greater scrutiny and regulation of chemicals used to make food. They point out that replacement plasticizers are increasingly used to replace banned or restricted phthalates yet the studies needed to show that they are safe have yet to be done. The study also raises the concern that certain racial/minority groups may be disproportionately affected by these chemicals. “Disadvantaged neighborhoods often have plenty of fast food outlets, but limited access to healthier foods like fruits and vegetables,” Zota said. “Additional research needs to be done to find out whether people living in such food deserts are at higher risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals.” To read the original article click here.

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Clean-Up Your Metabolism with These Superfoods

AHA Publisher — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 08:00:06 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Today, I have good news on how to rid yourself of a growing problem. Our technologies produce hormone-disrupting chemicals that are contaminating your food, water and even the air you breathe. It’s been building over the last 50 years and wreaking havoc on our health. One of the biggest problems we’re facing is the effect of thyroid hormone endocrine disruptors, or TH-EDCs. These fake molecules act just like your body’s natural T3 hormone and attach themselves to thyroid receptors in your cells and tissues. This causes your thyroid to become completely out of balance.1 Some of the worst toxins known to bind to thyroid receptors are: Chlorine and fluoride in drinking water Bromides and bromine in plastics, pharmaceuticals, even baked goods Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in popcorn packaging, fast-food wrappers and carpeting Bisphenol A (BPA) in soft plastics that come into contact with your food and drink Your body can’t remove these fat soluble, receptor-blocking toxins because your kidneys and liver are designed to handle water-soluble waste. So they accumulate in your fat before attaching to thyroid receptors. Making it almost impossible to lose weight. At the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine, the number of patients I see with this disorder has gone from a trickle to a flood. Most of my patients tell me that their number one symptom is weight gain. They’ve tried everything — with no success. They’ve even had a thyroid test… And it came back normal. You see, these patients aren’t suffering from typical low thyroid. That’s when your thyroid doesn’t produce enough TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone. The type 2 thyroid disorder that my patients have is so new that it cannot be detected on routine tests. In fact, four out of five doctors have never heard of it. With type 2 hypothyroidism, your thyroid still produces normal amounts of T3, the active form of the hormone. But your cells and tissues have become resistant to it. It’s similar to what happens to type 2 diabetics when their cells become resistant to insulin. The good news is that type 2 hypothyroidism can be treated and even reversed… Allowing you to finally lose that extra weight for good. Here’s a simple at-home technique I developed to protect my patients from this dysfunction… Protect Thyroid Receptors With Two Superfoods Avoiding type 2 hypothyroidism starts by helping your body get rid of dangerous toxins, while boosting receptor sensitivity. Two of the most effective treatments are marine plants that have been used for centuries to restore thyroid function. First, flush phthalates from your body with chlorella. This edible alga binds to toxins and pulls them out of your body. Take 1 gram with breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can increase the dose to up to 3 grams three times a day. Then, supplement with this secret from the sea. One of the best thyroid nutrients comes from the Celtic Sea. It’s called Irish moss. But I call it an all-in-one pharmacy for your thyroid.It contains a vital thyroid hormone precursor, as well as the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. It’s also extremely high in iodine — an important thyroid nutrient. It’s packed with more than 90 minerals, including zinc, magnesium, manganese, potassium and selenium — all important elements your body needs for a balanced thyroid. I recommend taking 50 mg daily. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS To read the original article click here. For more articles from Al Sears, MD click here.

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